Personal Learning Journey Video 

Song Human with AI 

Independent AI Training Certificates

As part of my continuous learning beyond the classroom, I completed three independent Artificial Intelligence courses to further strengthen my understanding of AI concepts, critical thinking, and machine learning applications.

1. Elements of AI

Provider: Elements of AI

This course introduced the fundamental concepts of Artificial Intelligence, including how AI systems work, machine learning principles, and the impact of AI on society. The course helped me develop a broader understanding of AI technologies and their potential applications across different disciplines, including architecture and the built environment.

2. Critical Thinking in the AI Era

Provider: HP LIFE / HP Foundation

This course focused on the importance of critical thinking when working with Artificial Intelligence. It explored how AI-generated content can sometimes contain inaccuracies, biases, or misleading information and emphasized the importance of evaluating information before making decisions. The course also introduced practical strategies for fact-checking, identifying bias, and using AI responsibly in academic and professional contexts.

3. AI Essentials

Provider: FreeAcademy.ai

This course introduced the fundamental concepts of Artificial Intelligence and its practical applications across different industries. It covered essential AI concepts, the capabilities of modern AI tools, prompt-based interactions, responsible AI usage, and how AI can improve productivity, problem-solving, and decision-making. The course provided a strong foundation for understanding how AI technologies can be integrated into academic learning and future professional practice, including architecture and the built environment.

Reflection

Completing these courses allowed me to expand my AI knowledge beyond the requirements of the classroom. They reinforced many of the concepts explored throughout the semester and provided a stronger foundation for understanding how Artificial Intelligence can be integrated into research, design, and future professional practice.

While Elements of AI strengthened my understanding of the technical foundations of Artificial Intelligence, Critical Thinking in the AI Era emphasized the importance of human judgment, evaluation, and responsible AI usage. AI Essentials further expanded my knowledge by introducing practical AI concepts, responsible AI practices, prompt-based interactions, and the effective use of AI tools to improve productivity, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Together, these three courses reinforced one of the most valuable lessons I learned throughout this semester: Artificial Intelligence is most effective when combined with critical thinking, creativity, continuous learning, and informed human decision-making.

The experience encouraged me to continue learning independently, explore emerging technologies, and develop the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively alongside intelligent systems throughout my future architectural career.

AI IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT — FIELD NOTES 

Final Reflection on Learning and Transformation

Prepared By: Abdulkadir Abdirahman Abdiweli

Student ID: 243925026 

This course has been one of the most impactful and meaningful learning experiences throughout my university journey. Among all the courses I have taken, Artificial Intelligence in the Built Environment stands out because it did not simply teach me how to use technology; it taught me how to think differently about learning, design, and problem-solving. It fundamentally changed my understanding of Artificial Intelligence, not as a tool for generating answers, but as a collaborative system that can support research, creativity, critical thinking, and architectural decision-making.

Before taking this course, my experience with AI was relatively limited. I mainly used one or two AI tools for simple tasks such as finding information, generating ideas, or assisting with basic academic work. Through this course, I became familiar with a much wider range of AI platforms and learned how each tool could serve a different purpose. I explored AI systems for research, prompt development, visualization, workflow planning, presentation development, and design exploration. This experience expanded my understanding of AI from a single tool into an ecosystem of intelligent systems that can work together to support architectural thinking.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned is that the effectiveness of AI depends on the quality of human input. AI does not automatically produce meaningful architectural outcomes. Instead, successful results require clear objectives, well-structured prompts, critical evaluation, and continuous refinement. Throughout the semester, I discovered how small adjustments in prompts could significantly influence the quality, accuracy, and relevance of generated outputs. This taught me that prompt development is not simply a technical skill but a design-thinking process that requires clarity, creativity, and intention.

The course also strengthened my ability to evaluate information critically. Rather than accepting AI-generated outputs at face value, I learned to compare different perspectives, identify limitations, question assumptions, and make informed judgments. This was especially important when working with multiple AI systems, where different tools often produced different interpretations of the same problem. These experiences reinforced the idea that architecture is not only about generating ideas but also about selecting, refining, and validating them through critical thinking.

Another important realization was understanding my role as a learner. Throughout the semester, I often reflected on the idea that a teacher can show us the door, but it is our responsibility to open it and walk through it. This course opened many new doors related to Artificial Intelligence, architecture, and future technologies. It introduced concepts and opportunities that I had never seriously explored before. More importantly, it encouraged me to continue learning independently beyond the classroom and to take ownership of my own intellectual development.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank Ts. Idris Taib for creating a learning environment that encouraged curiosity, experimentation, and independent thinking. The course challenged students not only to use AI tools but also to understand their strengths, limitations, and implications for the future of the built environment. This approach made the learning experience engaging, relevant, and highly practical.

Overall, this course has reshaped how I view both Artificial Intelligence and architecture. It has shown me that the future of architectural practice will not be defined by technology alone but by how effectively designers collaborate with intelligent systems while maintaining human judgment, creativity, ethical responsibility, and contextual understanding. AI can assist the design process, but the meaning, purpose, and value of architecture will always depend on human insight.

In conclusion, this course has opened a new intellectual direction for me. It has expanded my technical awareness, strengthened my critical thinking, and transformed the way I approach learning and design. More importantly, it has inspired me to continue exploring emerging technologies, questioning established methods, and embracing lifelong learning. The knowledge and experiences gained from this course will continue to influence my academic journey and future professional development as an architect.